Conway circuit Whitsundays

Photo credit: HD Xposure © Queensland Government

Visiting Conway circuit safely

    Image of the view from Honeyeater lookout.

    Enjoy the view from Honeyeater lookout.

    Photo credit: Ross Perry © Queensland Government

    Getting there and getting around

    Forestry Road from Airlie Beach

    Travel west along Shute Harbour Road for about 10km and turn left onto Brandy Creek Road. Follow this road onto Forestry Road through to the car park. This is the start of the Conway circuit.

    Forestry Road from the Bruce Highway

    One kilometre north of Proserpine (or 65km south of Bowen), turn off the highway onto Shute Harbour Road. Travel 12km before turning right onto Brandy Creek Road. Follow this road, and then Forestry Road through to the car park.

    Contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads to find out about road conditions and the Bureau of Meteorology for weather reports and forecasts.

    Wheelchair accessibility

    There are no wheelchair accessible trails provided on the Conway circuit.

    Staying safe

    Image of Impulse Creek - take care while crossing and heed all warning signs.

    Take care while crossing Impulse Creek and heed all warning signs.

    Photo credit: Ross Perry © Queensland Government

    Image of sturdy footwear which is essential for walkers and hikers.

    Sturdy footwear is essential for walkers and hikers.

    Photo credit: Tamara Vallance © Queensland Government

    Impulse Creek crossing

    Rain in the upper catchment of Impulse Creek can cause water levels to rise rapidly at the crossing on the Conway circuit.

    The water at the crossing can be deceptive and be moving faster than it appears. The creek bed is unstable and loose rocks may move underfoot.

    • Check the flow and depth of the water carefully before entering.
    • Stay in the middle of the crossing where wire has been laid down to aid traction.
    • Do not attempt to cross the creek when flooded.

    Plan ahead

    Serious injuries have happened, even to experienced bushwalkers and mountain bike riders. Don't leave things to chance.

    • Bring and use a detailed map and a compass for longer walks or rides, as GPS or mobile phones coverage may not be available.
    • Tell a responsible person where you are going and when you expect to return.
    • Ensure an experienced and responsible adult accompanies children.
    • Obey all safety and warning signs.
    • Carry a complete first-aid kit—know how to use it.

    Ride safely

    Sign showing that Repulse Creek is 360m return

    For your safety, stay on the marked trails.

    Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government

    Image of danger sign on Conway Circuit.

    Remember to heed all safety signage on the Conway Circuit.

    Photo credit: Linda Thompson © Queensland Government

    • Wear appropriate safety gear and be realistic about your cycling abilities.
    • Give way to people on foot.
    • Slow down when approaching other trail users and alert others when approaching.
    • Avoid skidding and sliding—you could collide with other trail users and damage the track surface.
    • Never ride alone—in case of accident, others in your group could assist.
    • Stay on the marked trails and behind lookout barriers, heed safety and warning signs and know your location  at all times.
    • Carry reliable communication equipment, satellite phones and Personal Locator Beacon (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. Mobile phone reception is limited.

    Remember to follow the Queensland Parks and forests mountain bike and cycle with care guidelines.

    Walk safely

    • Walk in pairs or small groups—if a person is injured others can assist.
    • Always carry water, warm clothing and extra food and water in case of unexpected delays.
    • Prepare physically and practically for a long and challenging hike.
    • Use personal insect repellent to protect yourself from scratches, insect bites and stings.
    • Stay on the marked trails and behind lookout barriers, heed safety and warning signs and know your location at all times.
    • Carry reliable communication equipment, satellite phones and Personal Locator Beacon (PLBs) are the most effective in this area. Mobile phone reception is limited.

    Remember to follow the Queensland Parks and forests walk with care guidelines.

    Food and water

    Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, especially when walking up steep slopes in humid conditions.

    • There are four locations on the Conway circuit where rainwater tanks are available. Fill your water containers at every opportunity.
    • Remember to treat all tank water and creek water before use.
    • Carry nourishing lightweight food and high-energy snacks—take extra food in case the walk or ride takes longer than expected.

    Clothing

    • Wear sturdy, enclosed boots or shoes. Surfaces can be slippery.
    • Take warm clothes and raincoats—weather can change quickly.
    • Wear appropriate safety gear when riding.
    • A helmet approved to Australian Standards (AS 2063) is mandatory when mountain biking.
    • Gloves and cycling glasses are highly recommended.

    Avoid the elements

    • Never set out walking or riding in extreme heat or high fire danger, nor if a storm (or cyclone) is close.
    • Avoid creek crossings during floods or after heavy rain.
    • Plan to complete your walk and ride well before dark.
    • Don't get lost—stay on marked tracks.
    • Shortcuts cause erosion and often are dead ends.

    Remember to follow the Queensland Parks and forests visit with care guidelines.

    In an emergency

    Image of a personal locator beacon which can alert rescue authorities that you are in distress and aid their search in locating you.

    In an emergency, personal locator beacons alert rescue authorities that you are in distress and aid their search in locating you.

    Photo credit: Tamara Vallance © Queensland Government

    For all emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

    • Carry at least one form of communications equipment. Satellite phones and Personal Locator Beacon (PLBs) are the most effective in this area.
    • There is occasional mobile network coverage at elevated points along the Conway circuit between Mount Hayward lookout and Airlie Beach.
    • Otherwise, send help to either end of the trail.
    • Stay on the marked trail.
    • Know your location at all times—follow your movements on a map and heed all trail signs giving location information.

    We recommend you visit the Triple Zero website before visiting the national park. You can also download the free emergency + app before you leave home, the GPS functionality can provide critical location details to emergency services.

    Before you visit

    Opening hours

    The Conway circuit is open 24 hours a day, however adverse weather may cause temporary closures, especially during the wet season (generally from December to March). The national park or sections of the Conway circuit may be closed at other times for management activities.

    Check park alerts for information on park conditions, access and closures.

    Essentials to bring

    You must be fully self-sufficient, your camping equipment should include the following:

    • complete first-aid kit—know how to use it.
    • adequate clothing—be prepared for all weather conditions, especially rain and storms.
    • sturdy, enclosed footwear.
    • strong, lightweight tent—no shelters are provided.
    • lightweight sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
    • nourishing lightweight food and high-energy snacks—take extra food in case the walk or ride takes. longer than expected.
    • hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
    • small hand trowel and toilet paper.
    • torch, spare batteries and pocketknife.
    • good navigation tools and reliable communication equipment.
    • lightweight cooking and eating utensils
    • container for washing up
    • water purification tablets or other method to treat tank water before drinking
    • water containers—make sure they’re big enough
    • waterproof bags to keep clothing/bedding dry and store rubbish. Rubbish bins are not provided on the Conway circuit. All rubbish must be carried out.
    • fuel stove and fuel—fires are prohibited on the Conway circuit.
    • lighter and waterproof matches.

    Permits and fees

    Camping permits are required and fees apply. A camping tag with your booking number must be displayed at your camp site.

    Other permits

    Various activities in national parks require a permit. Activities include commercial tours, social events, organised group visits, school excursions, scientific research, and the sale of photographs or vision of the national park. Contact us for further information.

    Climate and weather

    The region has a well-defined dry season during winter. Average temperatures range from 10–20°C. Between January and March, high humidity, strong seasonal rainfall and average temperatures of 20–30°C make walking less comfortable.

    Try to walk or ride between April and September, when conditions are less likely to be very wet or too dry.

    Before you visit, check park alerts for information about park and forest current access, closures and conditions. Visit the Bureau of Meteorology for weather reports and forecasts.

    Fuel and supplies

    You will need to be self-sufficient during your visit to Conway National Park. The nearest fuel and supplies are located near Airlie Beach (12km) or at Proserpine (18km).